Steamed Hoof Powder (SHP), size < 53μ, was observed to have high adsorption capacity for Hg(II) with >95% removal from a solution containing 100 mg/L of Hg(II) with only 0.1% (W/V) concentration of SHP. The SHP has good settling properties and gives clear and odour free effluent. Studies indicate that pH values between 2 and 10 have no effect on the adsorption of Hg(II) on SHP. Light metal ions like Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ up to concentrations of 500 mg/L and heavy metals like Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Co2+, Pb2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Cr3+, Cr6+, Fe2+ and Fe3+ up to concentrations of 100 mg/L do not interfere with the adsorption process. Anions like sulphate, acetate and phosphate up to concentrations of 200 mg/L do not interfere. Chloride interferes in the adsorption process when Hg(II) concentration is above 9.7 mg/L. The adsorption equilibrium was established within two hours. Studies indicate that adsorption occurs on the surface sites of the adsorbent.
Synthesis of mesoporous lanthanum hydroxide with enhanced adsorption performance for phosphate removal
